BOSTON – It’s the final countdown to the 2014 non-waiver trade deadline and the Toronto Blue Jays appear to be set on acquiring a reliever if they do anything else at all.
While there’s sure to be some disappointment in the clubhouse if that’s how things play out, the eventual returns of Edwin Encarnacion, Adam Lind and Brett Lawrie will serve as significant additions no deal can really replicate.
“The biggest thing is we’ve got a lot of guys that are hurt, big bats from our lineup that need to be put in there,” starter Mark Buehrle said when asked about the possibility of a stand pat. “Like I’ve always said, I think we’d welcome it with open arms if we make a move, but at the same time I don’t know about finances, minor-leagues, who you’re wanting to trade, who guys are asking for. That’s why I’m glad I’m in here as a player, not a GM because there’s a lot you’ve got to deal with. We just need to get those guys back and I think we have enough talent to make the playoffs and see what happens.”
Manager John Gibbons echoed similar sentiments with his team having won 10 of 13 games – including Wednesday’s series finale in Boston 6-1 – since play resumed after the all-star break.
“I don’t think we can ask anything more out of them,” he said. “The bottom line is winning baseball games and they’re all pitching in and doing a heck of a job.”
The Blue Jays’ only move pre-deadline thus fas has been the acquisition of Danny Valencia from the Kansas City Royals.